An interior designer is like an interior decorator, only she operates on a more sophisticated scale. Because their work is more advanced than an interior decorator's, some states require interior designers to be licensed.

What They Do

Interior designers plan, design and decorate interiors of buildings from homes to hospitals, from restaurants to office buildings. They create atmospheres in which diners feel more comfortable eating or office workers are more productive.

Functions

An interior designer must be able to read blueprints and understand building and fire codes. They assist architects in placement of windows and built-in bookcases, for example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook."

Education Requirements

An interior designer should have a degree from a four-year college, with emphasis on interior design. However, there are many schools that offer certificates in interior design. After graduation, an interior designers can expect to complete a one- to three-year apprenticeship.

Salary

The median salary for an interior designer was $44,950 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment Outlook

The job outlook for interior designers is good, the federal agency said, as the need for interior designers is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2006 to 1016.

Source:

Princeton Review on Interior Designers

Bureau of Labor Statistics on Interior Designers

Resource:

American Society of Interior Designers